Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

GPC Key Decisions

USAF Case for Change

Air Force FAQ for Reoptimizing Great Power Competition

“We need these changes now; we are out of time to reoptimize our forces to meet the strategic challenges in a time of great power competition.”

~ Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall

The United States faces a time of consequence marked by significant shifts in the strategic environment. To remain ready, the U.S. Air Force must change.

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

Today, the Air Force once again finds itself at a critical juncture—an era of Great Power Competition marked by a new security environment, a rapidly evolving character of war, and a formidable competitor. This new era requires understanding its challenges and the attributes needed to succeed.

Embracing change is not a choice; it is a necessity. The Air Force must “reoptimize” into an enterprise prepared for high-end conflicts and long-term strategic competition.

Airfield Damage Repair exercise at Moron Air Base, Spain B-Roll day 3

Regional Media Center AFN Europe

Video by Senior Airman Jan Valle

Feb. 5, 2025 | 2:30

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 786th Civil Engineering Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, 765th Civil Engineering Squadron from Lajes Field Air Base, 48th Civil Engineering Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath alongside U.S. Sailors assigned to Rota/Naval Mobile Construction Battalion ONE from Naval Station Rota, Spanish Air Force assigned to 2nd Air Deployment Support Squadron and Portuguese Air Force assigned to Airfield Engineer Group conduct an Airfield Damage Repair exercise on Moron Air Base, Spain, from Feb. 1st to 8th, 2025. The U.S., Spain and Portugal collaborated on a multinational interoperability event, prioritizing airfield damage repair. The initiative emphasized knowledge-sharing and mutual learning among the nations, aiming to boost interoperability and foster increased trust. Through this multinational effort, the participating countries enhanced their collective capabilities in addressing critical airfield challenges. This event included classroom Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) mat training, US Airfield Damage Repair vehicle familiarizations, and crater repairs by combined forces from all nations. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Jan Valle) More